Pueblo West Quilters

Well, I have played around a bit with my blog background and settings - taking advantage of the free sites out there.  It doesn't look exactly like I want it to yet, but I will keep trying to get it looking nice.  I would like to add a book section that shows pics of book covers, but can't figure out how to do that yet.  :)
I belong to a group of quilters which meets the first Monday of each month to share our love of quilting.  I have been a member of a quilting group for  probably 7 out of the last 10 years off and on.  I enjoy belonging to a group because it is a huge treat to see everyones quilts at "show and tell" time and also it is a great way to take affordable classes and learn new techniques.  We met the first Monday of each month and on the 3rd of January, new officers were introduced, a new block of the month was introduced as well as the pattern for the groups LUV quilts which are made by members to be donated to local charities.  This group has grown over the years and  I would guess it now has over 50 members.  LOTS of VERY talented quilters.  I have added their site to my sidebar and if you go to the site and look they have an open photo album where the pictures from each meeting are shared. I think one reason I am a blog "lurker" is I really enjoy looking at quilts and other sewing projects.  I picked up two new books for Christmas, one is The Apron Book and the other Miss Rosie's Spice of Life Quilts.  Both look really good, hopefully I can share more about them next post. 

Bernie

01 - 01 - 2011 HAPPY NEW YEAR

This is the year I will post regularly to my blog.  I will keep a camera in the sewing room and remember to take pictures.  I will make time to create, sew, read, every day. The holidays were wonderful.  I am blessed.  Welcome 2011.  Bernie

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Salazar December 30, 2010

Neglecting my blog

It has been way too long since I posted.  I have been busy, both sewing and regular day to day "stuff". The two quilts I have been working on are taking way more time than I anticipated.  I am still FMQ my Halloween quilt and that is going okay, well truthfully it is frustrating sometimes.  Quilting a real full size quilt is a lot different than quilting a small practice piece, but I do think I am making progress.  On my last trip to visit my daughter I stopped at a local quilt shop and bought a new toy.

I really want to learn to FMQ feathers, maybe this will help.  Maybe not, but it can't hurt :)

It also seems to me that I need at least two sewing machines set up to be able to keep working on projects, one to piece on and one just for FMQ.  The weather is turning cold and snow showers are predicted for tomorrow evening, perfect for quilting and reading and hot cocoa.  I started working on a table runner for my table for Thanksgiving.  I hope to finish it up this weekend.  While I have been ignoring my own blog, I am totally fascinated by everyone else out there in quiltersblog.com.  Someday I would like to go to the big show in Houston, the pictures being posted look like it would be a lot of fun.  Okay, well, I will have to make a new resolution to post at least once a week with updates, it keeps me motivated.  Night all.
Bernie

Retro Bag

Quite a bit of sewing yesterday and today and quite a bit of "unsewing" because I had problems with my metallic thread and didn't realize it until I had to stop and clean out my bobbin case.  Interestingly enough, I didn't really get upset, I was having a good time just doodling.  It is going to take some time to fill in the applique pieces, and hopefully it will be worth the effort.  If nothing else I figure I am practicing my free motion skills. 
Today I worked on and completed my version of a Retro Bag pattern.    http://www.etsy.com/listing/58676102/retro-fun-bag-patterns?ref=em, I purchased from Greta's Blog.  I added 3 inches to the width of the bag  and made the handles longer because I want to use it for a tote for work and also this was my practice run.  I am happy with the outcome and can't wait to make a few more in different sizes and true to the pattern (which is much sleaker).  She has a picture of a small version, which I think would be a really cute accessory to match the bag.  Front and back

The pink areas on the front of the bag are big pockets, the back has a zippered pocket. and the inside

Fully lined, pockets on both sides.  I used a piece of a remnant I purchased at JoAnn Fabrics for about $3.  It was a drapery remnant.  I think her instructions are great, lots of pictures and tips.  I had never put in a magnetic snap before and it was easy peasy.  NAYY,  but check out her patterns and her quilting is fantastic.   Happy Sewing. Berning